TROY, MI – The Troy Police Department is investigating signature irregularities on a medical marijuana-related petition submitted to the City of Troy Clerk’s Office on July 31, 2018. The petition, submitted by the political committee People for a Responsible Troy, was found to have forged signatures, duplicate signatures and other signature-related problems.

“The City of Troy will not tolerate attempts to interfere with a lawful and fair election process,” said City Manager Mark Miller. “I am confident that the Troy Police Department and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a thorough, professional investigation of this criminal matter.”

The aim of the petition was to place a proposal question on the ballot for the November 6, 2018 General Election that would amend the City Charter to allow licensing of medical marijuana facilities in Troy. Troy City Council previously voted to “opt out” of licensing medical marijuana facilities.

Employees of the City Clerk’s Office determined that the petition contained 2,524 valid signatures, falling short of the required 2,925 signatures or 5 percent of Troy’s population. The irregularities were noted during review and were subsequently reported to the Troy Police Department.

Investigators found forged signatures, including those of prominent local politicians that previously opposed medical marijuana facility-related initiatives, during the police investigation. Also found were signatures from individuals not registered to vote in Troy or at all, duplicate signatures and signatures with incorrect information.

The Troy Police Department is working with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, as is customary in criminal investigations of local election irregularities. The Troy Police Department wishes to thank the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and professionalism.